Revelation 21:1-6 – God’s New Creation Workshop

Extreme Makeover: Cosmos Edition. God’s plan to flip the entire universe will leave you speechless!

Section 1. Welcome and Announcements

Hey there, family! Welcome to our church home. It’s so good to see all your smiling faces today. You know, every time we gather like this, I’m reminded of the incredible future God has in store for us. Just like in Revelation 21, where John describes a new heaven and a new earth, God is always working to make things new in our lives and our community.

Before we dive into our message today, let me share a few quick announcements:

• Community Outreach: This Saturday, we’re partnering with the local food bank. If you can spare a few hours, we’d love your help!
• Youth Group: Our teens are having a special movie night this Friday. Parents, check your emails for details.
• Bible Study: Our new series on the book of Revelation starts next Wednesday. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!

Remember, you’re all part of God’s amazing plan. Let’s worship Him together!

Section 2. Call to Worship

Let’s prepare our hearts to meet with God. I’ll read a portion of Revelation 21, and I invite you to respond. Let these words remind us of the hope we have in Christ.

Leader: “Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.”

Congregation: “We look forward to God’s new creation!”

Leader: “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”

Congregation: “We anticipate the day when God will dwell among us!”

Leader: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

All: “We rejoice in God’s promise of renewal and eternal life!”

Section 3. Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and anticipation. Just as You promise a new heaven and a new earth, we ask that You make all things new in our lives today. Open our eyes to see Your work around us, open our ears to hear Your voice, and open our hearts to receive Your love. As we worship You, may we be transformed more into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name, we pray. Amen.

Section 4. Praise and Worship

Church family, it’s time to lift our voices in praise! Our worship team is going to lead us in some songs that celebrate God’s promise of renewal and His eternal presence with us. Whether you’re a long-time believer or just checking things out, I encourage you to let these words wash over you and lift your spirit.

As we sing, remember that one day, we’ll join with that heavenly chorus John describes in Revelation. But for now, let’s practice right here! Let’s stand and worship our amazing God together.

Section 5. Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:1-6

Today, we’re diving into one of the most hope-filled passages in all of Scripture. Revelation 21:1-6 gives us a glimpse of the incredible future God has planned for His people. It’s a vision of renewal, restoration, and God’s eternal presence with us. Let’s read it together:

1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.
4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.”

This passage paints a beautiful picture of God’s ultimate plan for His creation. It’s a future where everything is made new, where God dwells among His people, and where all pain and suffering are wiped away. What an incredible promise to hold onto!

Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer

Let’s pray together, holding onto the hope we’ve just read about.

Heavenly Father, we come to You with hearts full of hope and anticipation. Your Word promises a future where You will make all things new, where tears will be wiped away, and where You will dwell among us forever. Lord, as we wait for that day, help us to bring a taste of that future into our present.

We pray for those who are hurting in our community. For those facing illness, loss, or hardship, we ask that You would comfort them with the hope of Your promises. Help us to be Your hands and feet, bringing Your love and care to those in need.

We pray for our church family, that we would grow in our faith and in our love for one another. May we be a beacon of hope in our community, pointing others to the living water that only You can provide.

And Lord, we pray for our world. In the face of conflict, injustice, and suffering, remind us that You are making all things new. Give us the courage and wisdom to be part of Your renewing work in the world.

Congregation, let’s respond together:

“We trust in God’s promise of renewal and look forward to the day when He will dwell among us forever. Amen.”

Section 7. Offering

Family, as we prepare to give our tithes and offerings, I want us to think about the incredible generosity of our God. The passage we just read reminds us that God gives “water without cost from the spring of the water of life” to all who are thirsty. Our God is a giver, and when we give, we reflect His character.

Our tithes and offerings aren’t just about meeting budget needs. They’re an act of worship, a way of saying “thank you” to God for His generosity towards us. They’re also a way of partnering with God in His work of renewal in our community and around the world.

Let’s pray over our offering:

Lord, we thank You for Your boundless generosity. You’ve given us life, salvation, and the promise of a future beyond our imagining. As we give back a portion of what You’ve blessed us with, we pray that You would use these gifts to bring hope and renewal to our community and beyond. May our giving be an act of worship that honors You and reflects Your generous heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

As the ushers come forward to receive our offerings, let’s give with joyful and thankful hearts.